Skunks
What do skunks look like?
The striped skunk is present throughout Colorado and can be found in elevations up to 10,000 feet. Similar in size to house cats, it weighs 4 to 10 lbs. and average 2 to 2.5 feet long. Its body is black except for a white stripe on the forehead and a wide white area at the nape of the neck that divides into a “V” along the back.
The western spotted skunk is not very common, mainly occurring in the foothills and canyons of western Colorado (usually below 8,000 ft). It can be distinguished by its white tipped tail and the broader broken white stripes on its back. The western spotted skunk also has a spot between its eyes. It measures approximately 1.1 to 1.6 feet long and weighs 14 ounces to 1.5 pounds.
Are skunks dangerous?
Skunks are normally harmless to humans unless provoked. When frightened, these mammals rely mainly on their foul liquid spray to deter predators. Skunk odor has the ability to induce toxic shock syndrome in pets and cause nausea in humans. Skunks are one of the most prominent carriers of rabies, only second to bats. Not only do skunks have the ability to spread rabies, but they are also known to carry other infectious diseases such as Baylisascaris Columnaris, a dangerous type of roundworm commonly found in feces and harmful to pets and children, Leptospirosis, Tularemia, Canine Hepatitis, Listeriosis, Q Fever, and Canine Distemper.
What do skunks do?
Skunks may dig holes under buildings or enter them through openings in the foundation. This is of concern because of the possible smell and because skunks are a host for rabies. Skunks may also cause damage by digging into lawns, gardens, and golf courses while looking for grubs. This digging usually results in small 3- to 4-inch cone-shaped holes or patches of upturned earth. They eat fruits and vegetables, prey on poultry and eggs, and disturb beehives.
What is the life cycle of skunks?
Skunks usually breed once a year in February or March and bare young in early May. Litter sizes vary from 2 to 10, depending on the species and age of the female. Skunks do not fully hibernate; they enter a dormant state called Torpor. Torpor is a state of reduced body temperature and metabolic rate, like a lethargic sleep. They will awake throughout the winter to forage for food. Can live up to 10 years in the wild.
Signs of skunks around my home?
- Holes in your lawn, garden, or flowerbed.
- Persistent smells coming from a woodpile or underneath a structure.
- Five toed paw prints found around the property.
What should I do?
Remove lumber and junk piles. Store garbage in tightly sealed cans. Clean up pet food. If a skunk sprays you or your pet, use an alkaline hydrogen peroxide or a diluted solution of vinegar to remove skunk odor from pets and clothing. It is highly discouraged for untrained individuals to handle these critters as they are a significant carrier of rabies and will release their spray when threatened. Always call the professionals.